Beyond addressing immediate medical concerns, preventative healthcare saves countless lives. Regular screenings are vital for early detection and management of potential health issues. Medical schemes, such as Bestmed, play an important role in facilitating access to these essential services.
The importance of preventative healthcare
Preventative healthcare exists to detect health issues before they become serious, enabling timely intervention and management. For women, this includes screenings for conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Regular health check-ups can significantly improve outcomes by identifying risk factors early and implementing necessary lifestyle or medical interventions.
Preventative healthcare screenings for women
Women have specific health screening needs. These are fundamental interventions that support early disease detection and proactive treatment. Breast cancer screening guidelines recommend that women over the age of 40 should undergo annual mammograms, and women 55 years and older should have a mammogram every two years, depending on their risk profile. Early detection is key, as breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women across the globe.
Pap smears and HPV tests are essential for detecting cervical cancer early. These screenings are recommended every three to five years for women aged 21 to 65, although shorter screening cycles are recommended for women who have a higher risk.
In South Africa, it’s also estimated that 48% of women over the age of 15 have hypertension, with the condition going mostly undetected until it has led to severe illness. For this reason, regular blood sugar and blood pressure checks are important, especially given the high prevalence of obesity and related conditions among South African women.
Regular health screening benefits
Adhering to a regular screening schedule gives women a significant advantage when it comes to managing their health in effective ways. Regular screenings enable early detection, where identifying diseases at an early stage can lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced mortality rates. For example, the timely detection of cervical cancer significantly enhances survival rates.
Preventative care can also reduce healthcare costs by avoiding the need for more extensive treatments required for advanced diseases. Notably, preventative healthcare leads to an improved quality of life for women. By managing conditions early, women can maintain a higher quality of life and avoid complications that arise from untreated health issues.
Medical schemes and preventative healthcare
Medical schemes are instrumental in providing access to preventative healthcare services. South African medical schemes provide coverage for various screenings and vaccinations. For example, Bestmed covers HPV vaccinations, which are essential to preventing cervical cancer. Additionally, medical schemes often provide resources and support programmes tailored to women’s unique health needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive care.
Stats SA reported on the Status of Women’s Health in South Africa, indicating that only approximately 16.8% of women were on medical aid in 2019. This highlights the need for broader access to preventative care services. Medical schemes facilitate access to necessary screenings and, thereby, provide financial relief. Preventative healthcare services must become more accessible and affordable to more South African women.
Preventative healthcare is an invaluable aspect of women’s health, offering early detection, cost savings, and improved quality of life. Regular screenings are essential. When we prioritise preventative care, we prioritise women’s health. When we prioritise women’s health, we enable better health and well-being for our families, communities, and nation at large.
Article by: Denelle Morais, Manager: Marketing & Communications at Bestmed Medical Scheme
